UAE nationals urged to participate in genomics programme

UAE citizens are being urged to participate in a national genome programme aimed at combatting genetic and chronic diseases.

The initiative will help understand the genetic variation in the Emirati population in order to provide personalised healthcare and treatment options in future.

The pilot phase successfully concluded with G42 Healthcare experts building the first de novo Emirati reference genome based on DNA samples from 1,000 UAE nationals, using cutting-edge sequencing with artificial intelligence

However, the programme's wider success depends on the participation of more Emirati volunteers.

Sample collection sites have been set up at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and the Biogenix Lab in Masdar City.

Additional points will open across the country in the coming months.

"I call upon all UAE nationals to participate in the programme and support us in achieving our goal of providing innovative and world-class healthcare services to all Emiratis for a healthier future," said Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.

Launched in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Emirati Genome Programme is one of the flagship initiatives of G42 Healthcare’s recently launched Omics Centre of Excellence.